Obama pardons turkeys, makes election jokes

Nov. 21, 2012
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The turkey pardoning / JIM WATSON, AFP/Getty Images

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

The annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning gives presidents a chance to crack a few political jokes -- an easier task in an election year.

"They say life is all about second chances," the newly re-elected president said during a Rose Garden ceremony on Wednesday. "And, this November, I could not agree more."

Noting that two lucky turkeys are having their lives spared, Obama made comic reference to his recent campaign slogan: "The American people have spoken! And these birds are moving forward!"

As one of the guests gobbled, Obama added: "I love this bird."

And, noting that the White House sponsored an online contest to decide which two turkeys would be spared this Thanksgiving, Obama referenced a semi-famous polling analyst: "Once again, Nate Silver completely nailed it! The guy is amazing. He predicted these guys would win."

Obama, along with daughters Malia and Sasha, pardoned both the winning national turkey, Cobbler, and his alternate, Gobbler.